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"Jesus preached to people in HELL!"
santgem:
--- Quote from: Reg on March 06, 2014, 02:44:29 AM ---
--- Quote from: theophilus on February 15, 2014, 10:26:14 PM ---Hadn't you been given eyes to see and a friend of yours came up to you telling you about the nonexistence of hell and the salvation of all, you too would shun your friend. Their reaction is not weird. It is to be expected by us.
I now see that what's also to be expected is our attitude of disbelief when we see in others the same blindness that used to plague our lives.
"Oh the garbage that they pass along to these people as truth!"
We used to swallow this same garbage hook, line and sinker before. :-\
Let us not allow a spirit of provocation get the best of us.
--- End quote ---
Good Point! I used to seek out debate; admittedly, I experienced much enjoyment in fruitless debates that helped no one-it only boosted my pride in my own knowledge... And then I found Bible truths and I arm still so embarrassed by my actions. I'm not saying that is what is going on here...but this whole thread hit home for me and I have been struggling with the opposite problem for a time.
I don't want to be in endless debates or do anything that is not of God. I fear sometimes I do not speak up when I should in order to prevent the issues it would cause. I'm always thinking of the verse of not to throw my pearls before swine but I don't see my friends, family or coworkers as "swine," I love them and would really enjoy talking about the stuff I'm learning. I test the waters from time to time gently stating a belief or truth I've learned to see if the conversation can continue. When people say they don't agree, tease me for being silly or just ignore me, I take that as a sign that God is not leading and I stop...sometimes I worry this is cowardly...that I work too heard to blend in, keep the peace and I feel it has affected me negatively in a spiritual way.. I don't think I understand how to boldly proclaim the truth at this time.
--- End quote ---
Hi Reg,
Greetings!
As long as they cannot refute you, then why worry?
Let God do the rest, the most important thing is you informed the truth. :)
Kat:
Hi Reg,
I believe that the Spirit will lead us to stand up for this truth when we need to. We are all have different type of personalities, some will interject themselves into conversations and voice their opinion about this truth. That has never been my style and I don't believe I should necessarily force myself to do what I see others doing, but let the Spirit show me what to do. We have to be careful that our boldly proclaiming truth is to the glory of God, and not more on the lines of boosting to others what we think we know.
John 7:18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.
If the Spirit wants us to stand up for the truth, then we cannot resist Him working in/through us, it will move us when to speak, as it is teaching us we will do the will of God. The Apostles were delivered up before judges, I see us as more like being delivered up before family, friends and coworkers, if we are put on the spot God will give us the answer to speak.
Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
v. 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
p.s. Mark 13:11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate[3] what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
theophilus:
Hello Reg,
I hear ya! Been there, done that. I think when we debate others about these truths in a boastful manner, God is doing a work in us. It's a phase, a part of the process of His teaching us to be patient towards others, just as He has been patient with us. Like Kat said, our proclaiming the truth should be done to glorify our Father, not to show others wrong. Even when we have proven them wrong, they still can't "see" it. No verse proofing on our part will ever convince them.
I have a friend at work who initiated our conversations about God. He attends a large Hispanic evangelical church and has even invited me to go. I have told him a thing or two and showed him the scripture verses. He asks me questions, I answer them. If the Lord wills it, this guy's eyes could be opened. But I don't push it.
The verse about the swine is an analogy. It doesn't mean that your friends/family are swine. It means that they would treat God's truths in the same way that swine would treat pearls cast on their path. God's truths are "pearls" to us, not to the unbelievers. Therefore, we love them and treasure them and meditate on them. :)
Rhys 🕊:
Always good to share
Heb 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Share the good things God had done in word and deed
1Ti 6:18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
1Ti 6:19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Rhys
Joel:
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
I think we can know when it is the right time to say something or not.
If we are lead by the Spirit of God he will use us to plant a seed (word) in the heart of someone he is dealing with on some level we know nothing about.
And we may or may not see anything come fruition as far as that person is concerned. The key is to be willing and obedient when the time comes.
Ecclesiastes 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
Joel
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